The Family Therapy Trainer as Coaching Double

Abstract

A special application of the psychodramatic role of double is described. The trainer assumes this role as a continuous coach while the trainee practices as interviewer/therapist/director in a role-played family interview. This role configuration allows the trainer to imagine aloud what might be helpful to the trainee in thinking about what to do at particular moments. In later videotape replays, students see themselves act competently with complex and unfamiliar moves and observe their impact. The trainees can add such moves to their repertoire for future use.